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The Ranger

Applications sought for wildlife project funding

Jan 6, 2014 - From staff reports

CHEYENNE -- The Wyoming Governor's Big Game License Coalition is accepting applications for projects to be funded by the auction/raffle of Gov. Matt Mead's 2014 complimentary big game hunting licenses.

By statute, the governor can receive up to 25 complimentary big game licenses (five bighorn sheep, five moose, five bison and 10 elk/deer/antelope) each year.

For 2014, Mead has again agreed via a memorandum of understanding to have Wyoming Wildlife-The Foundation, in conjunction with the coalition, administer the sales of his 2014 donated licenses.

Proceeds from the sales of the licenses are put to work for wildlife through an efficient process that is accountable to both hunting and conservation communities.

"While sales of the governor's licenses may occur at banquets held out-of-state, 90 percent of the proceeds raised from those sales are returned directly to Wyoming to benefit our wildlife," said Carson Engelskirger, executive director of WW-TF. "Distribution of those dollars is determined by an open application process overseen by the coalition."

Since 2003, the coalition has raised roughly $4.4 million and $3.6 million has been dedicated to projects on the ground in Wyoming.

On May 14, the Wyoming Governor's Big Game License Coalition will meet in Casper to select 2014 projects. Funding parameters are broad and proposals may range from preservation and permanent land protection to data collection and public education about wildlife conservation.

The coalition's online application form and a list of past projects can be found at http://wyomingwildlifefoundation.org.

Interested individuals and organizations must apply by Feb. 1.

For more information, contact Crystal Mayfield at WW-TF at 432-9453 or crystal@wycf.org.